During this summer season, you might see a crowd of people flaunting their tattoos by the pool or at the beach, and somehow, you will get tempted to get one. Right?
But before you get ahead of yourself, there are a few things you should know about the tattoo world.
Many tattoos have a story– It is not just a design etched on your skin, it’s an art and lifelong commitment. Tattoos have been a means of self-expression and cultural heritage for ages, with origins dating back to ancient civilisations. In modern times, tattoos have evolved into a mainstream art form, with a wide range of styles, meanings, and techniques.
Every day, people get tattoos for a wide range of reasons, but for whatever reason, getting inked demands careful planning and understanding.
In an interview with GMA News Online, FiftyFive Tinta Pilipinas, a tattoo and piercing studio, answers some frequently asked questions when it comes to inking your skin.
The Pain Factor
How painful is the process? It’s the first question that pops into just about everyone’s mind when they start thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time.
But, yes, it will hurt, but great art can be worth the pain.
Getting a tattoo involves needles puncturing the skin–the process generally involves some pain.
However, Jeff Agao, a tattoo artist for 16 years, interviewed by GMA News Online, said that the tattoo’s location and the client’s personal pain tolerance will affect how much it hurts.
“Generally speaking, the most painful body parts to ink are bony areas, or areas with thin skin or that have a lot of nerve endings such as the ribs, spine, head, hands, and feet.”
Pricing Demystified
How much should you budget for that dream tattoo? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Prices also depend on the designs, and different shops and artists have different ranges.
Karl Andrei Castillo, manager of FiftyFive Tinta’s Maginhawa branch was quoted by GMA News Online as saying, “Placement, actual size and coverage, colors and style, and the design’s intricacy of details are factors that affect pricing. It will also be decided by our respective artists.”
“Our minimum rate starts at P3,000 for a 2-inch design, either black or colored,” he added.
The Aftercare and Healing
Once the ink is set, the real work begins– healing.
If you’re getting inked, understand that patience is the key, and prepare to take it easy for some time afterward to make room for healing.
In the same interview with GMA News Online, FiftyFive Tinta artists said it usually takes two weeks to a month for fresh tattoos to heal, depending on how well clients do post-care.
Some tips from resident tattoo artists Andrew Desilva, Alvin Gantioque, Maan Simbajon, and CJ Dupitas:
- Always keep your fresh tattoo clean. You may wash it two to three times daily with mild soap.
- Avoid scratching and plucking the scabs as it is part of the healing process. You may apply a small amount of ointment or hypoallergenic lotion to moisturize your tattoo. Ask your artist for recommendations on which products should be used.
- Avoid exposing your tattoo to dirt, direct exposure to sunlight, and soaking it for too long.
- Always ask for your artist’s assistance if you are not certain what to do.
Preparing for the First Inked Day
Getting cold feet before your tattoo appointment is normal, but proper preparation can ease those jitters.
If you are fully committed and ready to fulfill your desired tattoo, in the same interview, FiftyFive Tinta shared advice on how to prepare for it.
First things first, look for design references that you may share with your artist for them to better understand your idea. On that note — make sure you do a quick research about your preferred artist or studio to learn more about the quality of their work.
Once done, all that’s left is to make sure your body is ready for the procedure.
“Get a good night’s sleep,” Jeff said. “The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. Make sure you are well-rested and have eaten before your tattoo session. Avoid drinking at least a day or two, and make sure you are hydrated.”
And make sure you’re dressed accordingly based on the placement of your tattoo as well!
Having Regrets? There’s Hope
In the realm of tattoos, regrets are not a strange feeling. But don’t worry; there are tattoo removal alternatives. If you find yourself at odds with your ink, seek assistance from skin clinics or specialist tattoo parlors that provide removal treatments.
While it may come with its own set of challenges and expenses as it may take a couple of sessions and may be more expensive, it’s a viable option for those seeking a fresh start.
